Expert picks: How to bet Saturday's Charles Town Classic
The last few weeks, we've debated whether aspiring 3-year-old colts want to go two turns. On Saturday, it'll be key to determine which older horse will handle three turns in the Grade 2, $1.2 million Charles Town Classic.
Run at the West Virginia bullring of a track, the race is scheduled for 5:36 p.m. ET and will air on Fox Sports 2.
A field of seven is headed by Diversify, the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup winner, while War Story returns for another try after missing by a half length in last year's edition. Fourth-place Pegasus World Cup finisher Fear the Cowboy is in, while trainer Todd Pletcher will be represented by You're to Blame after winning this race in 2016 with Stanford.
Now, to the picks. There's plenty of consensus from Horse Racing Nation's experts on how the Charles Town Classic will unfold:
Jeffrey Byrnes, Byrnzzze's Corner (@jeffbyrnes96)
Winner: #5 War Story
On the board: #1 Fear the Cowboy, #2 You're to Blame
Longshot I like: #4 Something Awesome
Analysis: This is a race that the connections of War Story have been pointing to for a while now. His workout patterns have been stellar coming in, and he boasts a confidence-boosting win in the Challenger Stakes at Tampa Bay last out. He will be coming from off the pace, and with Diversify and You're to Blame going early, this should set up nicely for his run. War Story has the class and momentum on his side to win the Charles Town Classic.
Nick Costa, Trackside with Trackman
Winner: #5 War Story
On the board: #1 Fear the Cowboy, #6 Diversify
Longshot I like: #4 Something Awesome
Analysis: War Story should sit a good trip behind an anticipated fast pace and kick in to high gear late. The closer, Fear The Cowboy, twice finished in front of half the field in previous Grade 1s. This group shouldn't be as demanding. Diversify, the lone Grade 1 winner in the field, has been away since November, but has worked steadily for his return. He may face pace pressure from the outside horse, but his class could keep him in the mix. Something Awesome is another runner that will like the quick pace and be motoring at the end, but at nicer odds.
Casey Laughter, The Tattooed Tracksider (@WritingCasey)
Winner: #1 Fear the Cowboy
On the board: #4 Something Awesome, #5 War Story
Longshot I like: #2 You're to Blame
Analysis: I truly think Fear the Cowboy is a much better horse than he gets credit for and think he has a real shot to win this. I am leaving Diversify off, as there are plenty of horses in here who I can see going to the lead with him. War Story won last out and has always run against much better competition. I like when he goes up close to the pace. It seems to suit him much better.
Reinier Macatangay, Setting the Pace (@tracinglifemore)
Winner: #5 War Story
On the board: #6 Diversify, #1 Fear the Cowboy
Longshot I like: #7 Afleet Willy
Analysis: Diversify needs the lead, and Afleet Willy might press him early causing a pace setup for closers. War Story is the obvious choice to take advantage from behind, but Fear the Cowboy will receive a ground-saving trip inside and could shoot up the rail. Remember, Charles Town is a bullring.
Jasen Mangrum, Handicapper's Corner (@Capppercorner)
Winner: #5 War Story
On the board: #3 Discreet Lover, #6 Diversify
Longshot I like: #4 Something Awesome
Analysis: Look for War Story to sit a garden trip behind the two speed horses drawn to the outside. Javier Castellano is into ride, and he already has experience over this bullring. Discreet Lover picks up local top jock J.D. Acosta and excels at nine furlongs. Race favorite Diversify hasn't been seen since November, but will be a major factor if able to shake loose early.
Christine Oser (@cb_oser)
Winner: #5 War Story
On the board: #6 Diversify, #1 Fear the Cowboy
Longshot I like: #4 Something Awesome
Analysis: When not chasing the big Grade 1 horses, War Story has proven himself and most recently scored by 5 3/4 lengths in the Challenger Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Grade 1 winner Diversify has class and sharp works on his side, but he also hasn't raced in five months. As for Fear the Cowboy, he's been holding his own against the top level and gets a bit of class relief here. The improving Something Awesome stands a shot to extend his two-race win streak.
Mary Dixon Reynolds, The Gallop Out (@nchorseplayer)
Winner: #5 War Story
On the board: #1 Fear the Cowboy, #6 Diversify
Longshot I like: #4 Something Awesome
Analysis: There are no big standouts like Shared Belief or Game On Dude, who ran in previous editions of this race. There are, however, three classy horses who wouldn't surprise me if they won. They are my top picks.
Ashley Tamulonis, From Coast to Coast (@Florida_Filly)
Winner: #5 War Story
On the board: #1 Fear the Cowboy, #6 Diversify
Longshot I like: #3 Discreet Lover
Analysis: War Story is the only one in the field with experience in the bullring, and with a track like this, that means plenty. He's also fresh off a confidence-building win after facing top level runners consistently.